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Regional flights available on request
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One of Europe's most pristine rivers, the Douro has deeply cleft gorges, lush vineyards and tranquil fishing villages. Customers embarking from Porto, will cruise to the ancient and picturesque city of Lamego, then enter Spain to visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelling inland to the beautiful countryside of the Tras-os-Montes region they will visit the palace and gardens of Mateus. Customers will enjoy an unforgettable dinner at a centuries old monastery before concluding their journey back in Porto.
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Enticing Douro
Porto round trip
Departs 21st April 2015 7 nights aboard AmaVida
From £1799pp*
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Other dates available: 19th, 26th May, 23rd June,
14th, 21st July, 11th, 18th August, 6th October 2015 |
DETAILED ITINERARY
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Day 1, EMBARKATION - PORTO.
Customers will board their luxurious ship in Porto and gather on board in the evening for a Welcome Dinner. (D) Day 2, PORTO - REGUA. Spending a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River customers will cruise to Regua, a Portuguese town renowned for its utterly spectacular scenery. After arriving in the afternoon, they will enjoy a port wine tasting at Quinto do Seixo, a lovely 108-acre country estate that offers an interactive wine museum, the Douro River and the nearby village of Pinhao. All port made here is destined for Sandeman, a company known around the world for its quality wines. Later,they may choose to visit the Douro Museum, which offers a comprehensive and fascinating in-depth look at the unique Douro wine-growing region. Their ship moors in Regua overnight. (B,L,D) Day 3, REGUA-BARCA D'ALVA.  This morning, customers will have an excursion to ancient and picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles. Other attractions include a Gothic cathedral, a museum, and charming cafes. This afternoon, they will enjoy the wild, rugged scenery as their ship cruises through the dramatic gorges of the Douro river. (B,L,D)Day 4, SALAMANCA, SPAIN - VEGA DE TERRON, PORTUGAL. Customers will have a full day tour of Salamanca - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the centre of Spain's Castilla y Leon region. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a "living museum," an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages. During the guided tour, they will see the city's elegant university buildings, the twin-towered Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells, as well as Plaza Mayor, considered the most magnificent main square in Spain. Later, they will enjoy a lively and colourful foot-stomping Flamenco show. They will rejoin the ship in Vega de Terron, where the ship moors overnight. (B,L,D) Day 5, VEGA DE TERRON - PINHAO.  After another sumptuous breakfast, customers will tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls, steep narrow streets and fantastic views. They will stop to admire the Chafariz dos Pretos, a truly unique fountain decorated with black faces, and taste some delicious locally-grown produce. Returning to the ship for lunch they will cruise onward to Pinhao, whose train station boasts an impressive collection of beautiful Portuguese tiles. This evening, they will be treated to Moscatel de Favaios (a sweet fortified wine), traditional Portuguese food at a country wine estate - Quinta Avessada and will be the honoured guests of the vintner-owner and his delightful family at a truly memorable dinner. They will moor overnight in Pinhao. (B,L,D)Day 6, REGUA - ENTRE-OS-RIOS. This morning, customers will cruise to Regua for a morning excursion to the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens, located in the beautiful Tras-os-Montes region near the city of Vila Real. Inside the house they will see exhibits of religious images, beautiful furnishings, and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Returning onboard for lunch while the ship cruises to Entre-Os-Rios where tonight, they will enjoy a traditional home-cooked Portuguese meal at the Alpendurada Monastery. Savouring a glass of port , customers will take in the gorgeous view from the monastery's terrace. (B,L,D) Day 7 PORTO.  Their ship arrives in Porto, the capital of northern Portugal, early this morning. Customers will have a guided tour of the historical quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a number of iconic sights: the Porto Cathedral, one of the city's oldest and most impressive monuments, the bustling main square and the Sao Bento Railway Station, renowned for its magnificent blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. They will also enjoy a tasting of port wine, which derives its name from this very city. The ship moors overnight in Porto. (B,L,D)Day 8, PORTO - DISEMBARKATION. Their cruise comes to an end as they prepare for their homeward journey. (B) |
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INCLUDED FEATURES
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Return flights from London and transfers†
Luxurious cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom - most with balconies Fine dining including wine, beer & soft drinks at lunch and dinner State-of-the-art Infotainment System featuring in room direct Internet access, free Hollywood movies and more Life enriching tours and daily excursions with personal headset included Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music and afternoon/evening piano music |
*Lead in fare is based on 2 adults sharing a category E cabin. Price includes economy flights from London, non UK transfers† and port charges. All prices are correct at time of print and are subject to availability and/or change and can be withdrawn at any time.
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